Lentil Tacos
August 9, 2022 22 Comments
Lentil tacos are for Taco Tuesday (or anytime really). Turns out you don’t need ground beef!
![Lentil Tacos](https://s9g.us/m/o/lentiltacomain.450.jpg)
These lentils can be made for the vegans in the house if you use vegetable broth. Do you really want to leave them out on Taco Tuesday?
![](https://s9g.us/m/o/lentiltacoingredients.600.jpg)
I have been on a lentil kick lately because they are so fast to make as compared with other beans. Years ago, I went on a tour of the lentil fields of Saskatchewan and learned how to make lentil chocolate cake. It tastes like regular chocolate cake!
A couple weeks ago, I posted mushroom lentil burgers and they were a hit! It seems that we are all looking for ways to replace beef every once in a while.
There are so many good reasons to use lentils instead of beef. Cost is a big one. Lentils are dirt cheap compared to beef and you can feed a crowd for nothing. Also, if you are like me and looking to reduce your saturated fat intake – beans are the way to go.
![](https://s9g.us/m/o/insidepanlentiltacos.600.jpg)
You do need spices to make up for the lack of flavor in lentils. I have had lentil curry many times using Indian spices but a Mexican take works. Lentils are like a canvas for your paints.
I used cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salsa to flavor them. I did find a jar of salsa that only had 1 gram of sugar per serving (due to the tomatoes I am sure). It is hard to find salsa without added sugar – and a pain to stand in the aisle looking for it. The brand that worked was a store brand (not helpful for everyone).
There is also an environmental reason to eat less beef if that is your thing. Livestock-based food production causes about one-fifth of all global greenhouse gas emissions.
I love foods that are a bunch of wins. Lentils are healthier, sustainable for the environment, and they cost less! Seriously, if you haven’t given them a try – what are you waiting for?
I serve this with corn tortillas, lettuce, avocado, hot sauce and more salsa. Yum!
![](https://s9g.us/m/o/lentiltacospinterest.600.jpg)
![](https://s9g.us/m/o/lentiltacospinterest.600.jpg)
Lentil Tacos Recipe
Makes 8 taco servings
Ingredients
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 medium onion, minced
1 cup dry lentils, brown, green or red
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 ½ cups vegetable or low sodium chicken broth
1 cup salsa (preferably low in sugar)
corn tortillas for serving
Instructions
Heat oil in medium saucepan and saute onion and garlic until onion is translucent (about 5 minutes). Add lentils, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and stir for one minute to toast the spices. Add the vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender and most of the broth has been absorbed. Mix in 1 cup of salsa and serve! This recipe freezes well.
Nutrition Facts
For one serving without tortilla = 112 calories, 1.4 g fat, 0.2 g saturated fat, 17.6 g carbohydrates, 1.7 g sugar, 7.9 g protein, 8.3 g fiber, 350 mg sodium, 2 Green, 1 Blue, 1 Purple SmartPts
Points values are calculated by Snack Girl and are provided for information only. See all Snack Girl Recipes
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